National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Blog, page 269

NFPA issues errata on NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

NFPA has issued the following errata on NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, on October 26, 2015: NFPA 2001, Errata 2001-15-2, referencing 5.5.2.1(a) and (b) equations on the 2015 edition An errata is a correction issued to an NFPA Standard, published in NFPA News, Codes Online, and included in any further distribution of the document.

Court's reversal of state sprinkler requirement underscored in latest edition of NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative newsletter

In the latest edition of NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative newsletter, read how a Minnesota appeals court overturned the state’s home fire sprinkler requirement the day before a Minnesota father and his two sons died in a home fire. On a more positive note, the newsletter also highlights: NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative Summit in Phoenix FPW events that promoted smoke alarms—and home fire sprinklers An array of sprinkler activations, from Alaska to Maryland, that had a hand in saving lives Not receiving the newsletter directly in your inbox each month? Subscribe for free today to make sure you're staying on top...

New NFPA Responder Forum brings together first responders from around the country to tackle emerging issues

The first day of our new, invitation-only Responder Forum think tank was held today in Indianapolis. The event brings together long-respected fire services leaders, up-and-coming first responders and innovative subject matter experts in one space to tackle the emerging issues that fire departments are now facing. The main goal of this new Forum was to have representatives from thirteen major fire services organizations partner with government officials, regulators, researchers, analysts, academics and others to create a pathway from research to standards. Forum attendees represent different fire service disciplines, regions of the country, and skill sets. Invitees were nominated for a...

First responders, first of its kind forum

NFPA hosted a groundbreaking, invitation-only think tank today in Indianapolis. The progressive forum brought together long-respected fire services leaders, up-and-coming first responders and innovative subject matter experts in one space to tackle the emerging issues that fire departments are now facing. The NFPA Responder Forum, is a new cutting-edge 2.5 day invitation-only program, created so that representatives from thirteen major fire services organizations could partner with government officials, regulators, researchers, analysts, academics and others to create a pathway from research to standards. Forum attendees represent different fire service disciplines, regions of the country, skill sets and ethnic backgrounds. Invitees were...

Enjoy a safe Halloween with NFPA's fire safety tips

With Halloween just around the corner, children will soon be out in costume trekking through festive displays in search of candy. However, more than ghosts could be lurking amongst the mid-fall fun, as Halloween costumes and decorations present a number of hidden fire hazards. Follow these tips from NFPA to help ensure a day of safe fun for your family and trick-or-treaters: Costumes: stay away from billowing or long-trailing fabric. Choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. Visibility: Give children flashlights glow sticks. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure...

Comments sought on proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars

The following proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) for NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars, is being published for public review and comment: NFPA 409, proposed TIA No. 1204, referencing 7.3.2 on the 2016 edition Anyone may submit a comment on this proposed TIA by the December 18, 2015 closing date. Along with your comment, please identify the number of the TIA and forward to the Secretary, Standards Council by the closing date.

Friday's special presentation focused on the increased wildfire challenge in the wildland/urban interface

Friday morning, the second day of the Backyards & Beyond conference, Lincoln Bramwell, PhD., chief historian from the USDA Forest Service, talked to participants about homeowners and fire on the forest edge. Bramwell started his presentation with an example of a large wildfire in a community on the south coast of Maine, which that year had received only 50% of its normal rainfall. Burning 17,000 acres in and around Arcadia National Park/Mount Desert Isle by the time it was contained, it was known as The Year that Maine Burned. It was 1947. Fast forward to 2015 and Bramwell explained that...

The disastrous consequences of lightweight construction and modern home furnishings under fire

I mentioned in a previous post that fire does not burn any differently than it ever has. This statement is based on the fact that fire is a science. With that being said, I’m about to emphasize that fires do burn differently today than they have in the past. This statement is based on the fact that the built environment has changed, thus impacting the fire dynamics we are now facing. Notice the significant difference the placement of the letter “s” in fires has on the meaning of the two, italicized statements. The evolution of the built environment includes the...

Keynote speaker George Baker brings energy and enthusiasm to Backyards & Beyond conference

The Backyards & Beyond Wildland Fire Education Conference kicked off today with lots of enthusiasm and energy. At its General Session Thursday, keynote speaker George Baker , Fire & Ice Coaching, and retired fire chief from Mashpee, Massachusetts brought his own brand of humor and passion to the Session through his presentation Building High Energy Relationships for Successful Project Outcomes.to a packed room. Through his own personal stories and anecdotes from his days as a firefighter, paramedic and chief to his current position as an executive/business and life coach, Baker explained the meaning behind group process, which stems around the...

Congratulations! Gwen Hensley wins 2015 Golden Smokey Bear Award

Through the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) Program, the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), and the Advertising Council sponsor the national Smokey Bear Awards to recognize outstanding service in the prevention of human caused wildfires and to increase public recognition and awareness of the need for continuing wildfire prevention efforts. The Smokey Bear Awards are the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildfire prevention. This merit award has been bestowed on well-deserving groups and individuals annually since 1957. This year, the highest honor, the Golden Smokey Bear...